September 17, 2021
How do you serve in a tray?
Serving tea on a tray is an elegant and traditional way to present and enjoy tea. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you serve tea in a tray:
1. **Prepare the Tray**: Choose a tray that is large enough to hold all the tea ware you need, yet not too bulky to carry comfortably. Cover the tray with a clean, attractive tray cloth. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also prevents the tea ware from sliding.
2. **Arrange the Tea Ware**: Place the teapot in the center of the tray. Arrange the teacups upside down in a circle or semicircle around the teapot. If you're using a Gaiwan (a Chinese lidded bowl for serving tea), place it near the teapot. Arrange any additional items like the tea canister, tea scoop, and waste bowl neatly on the tray.
3. **Prepare the Tea**: While the tray is being prepared, you can brew the tea in the teapot. Ensure that the tea is ready to be poured into the cups before you start serving.
4. **Serve the Tea**: Carry the tray carefully to where your guests are seated. Place the tray on a low table or ottoman in front of them. Pour the tea from the teapot into each cup, ensuring that each guest receives an equal amount. If using a Gaiwan, pour the tea into it first and then into the cups.
5. **Enjoy the Moment**: Invite your guests to pick up their cups and enjoy the tea. This is a time for conversation, relaxation, and appreciation of the tea's aroma and flavor.
6. **Clean Up**: After the tea has been enjoyed, clear the tray and return all the tea ware to their respective places. Wash and dry them thoroughly to ensure they are ready for the next tea session.
Remember, serving tea is not just about the ritual or the tea itself; it's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where people can come together and enjoy each other's company over a cup of good tea.
1. **Prepare the Tray**: Choose a tray that is large enough to hold all the tea ware you need, yet not too bulky to carry comfortably. Cover the tray with a clean, attractive tray cloth. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also prevents the tea ware from sliding.
2. **Arrange the Tea Ware**: Place the teapot in the center of the tray. Arrange the teacups upside down in a circle or semicircle around the teapot. If you're using a Gaiwan (a Chinese lidded bowl for serving tea), place it near the teapot. Arrange any additional items like the tea canister, tea scoop, and waste bowl neatly on the tray.
3. **Prepare the Tea**: While the tray is being prepared, you can brew the tea in the teapot. Ensure that the tea is ready to be poured into the cups before you start serving.
4. **Serve the Tea**: Carry the tray carefully to where your guests are seated. Place the tray on a low table or ottoman in front of them. Pour the tea from the teapot into each cup, ensuring that each guest receives an equal amount. If using a Gaiwan, pour the tea into it first and then into the cups.
5. **Enjoy the Moment**: Invite your guests to pick up their cups and enjoy the tea. This is a time for conversation, relaxation, and appreciation of the tea's aroma and flavor.
6. **Clean Up**: After the tea has been enjoyed, clear the tray and return all the tea ware to their respective places. Wash and dry them thoroughly to ensure they are ready for the next tea session.
Remember, serving tea is not just about the ritual or the tea itself; it's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where people can come together and enjoy each other's company over a cup of good tea.